The Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument in the heart of Riga is the central symbol of Latvia's national sovereignty. It was built between 1931 and 1935 on the site of a former monument to the tsar, to honor the soldiers who fell in the War of Independence. Construction was based on a design by the sculptor Kārlis Zāle and was funded by donations from the public. The monument stands on Freedom Boulevard, a major thoroughfare that leads from the Old Town into the New Town. During the Soviet occupation, the monument survived despite plans to blow it up, which is also attributed to the efforts of the sculptor Vera Mukhina.

Architecturally, the 42.7-meter-tall structure consists of a base with numerous sculptures depicting Latvian mythology and historical events, along with a 19-meter-high obelisk. At its top stands a nine-meter statue of Liberty holding three stars, which symbolize the country's historic regions. The orientation of the figures is noteworthy: the confidently portrayed figures face west, while those in chains look east. The inscription on the base reads "For Fatherland and Freedom."

Today the site is an important gathering place for national celebrations and commemorations. On Independence Day, as well as for weddings and school graduations, people gather here to lay flowers or simply come together. During the day, the monument is guarded by an honor guard that changes every hour. It has also served as a stage for international political addresses and was a central gathering place during the Singing Revolution.